Taiwan’s use of timely, transparent and high-tech methods to combat coronavirus has earned praise from the leaders of allies and like-minded partners around the world, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) March 24. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in an interview March 15 that when it comes to coronavirus, the country intends to closely follow the “Taiwanese model.” She cited guidelines for mass gatherings, which she believes have been instrumental in helping prevent community spread of the disease. This follows Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech March 14 at his Jerusalem office, where he announced intentions to use similar technological methods as those implemented by Taiwan to track the virus’s spread. Nicaragua Vice President Rosario Murillo also announced March 11 that the Central American ally will ask for advice on disease-fighting measures from Taiwan’s ambassador to the country. In a Time magazine article published March 18 titled “Taiwan Has Been Shut Out of Global Health Discussions. Its Participation Could Have Saved Lives,” former Denmark Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen described the country’s application of big data, centralized command and clear messaging as highly effective, adding that the World Health Organization needs Taiwan at the table. Approval also came from officials, lawmakers and medical professionals of diplomatic allies Belize, Paraguay, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as likeminded partners in Argentina, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Panama, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Venezuela, the Netherlands, the U.S., the U.K. and the European Parliament.

MOFA thanks world leaders for praising Taiwan’s COVID-19 efforts
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